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Date Posted: 16:13:46 03/18/05 Fri
Author: Syl
Subject: The Four Agreements

This looks like a thought-provoking book, kindly sent in by Bandruidh. Thanks, lass!


TITLE: The Four Agreements

AUTHOR: Don Miguel Ruiz

GENRE: Personal Improvement

The Four Agreements is a practical guide to personal freedom from self – limiting beliefs that can make our lives unhappy and/or unfulfilling. Author Don Miguel Ruiz, an MD and Shaman takes us on an enlightening journey that makes one stop and think about the truth of their own beliefs. Do we really have our own spiritual code of conduct or have we just been programmed to believe what we have been taught since birth?

Based on ancient Toltec Wisdoms this books explains four simple agreements that one makes with themselves in order to lead happier, healthier, more spiritual lives:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word – Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally – Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions – Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

This book is 138 pages of insight and inspiration. While I feel it is not for everyone, those who have an open heart and mind may possibly find it will change their life. Or, at least, the way they look at themselves and how they react to the world around them. I have come to realize since reading the book that I want to follow my own heart and beliefs without guilt or resentment because someone else has impressed their way of thinking on me and I have allowed that to happen. Coming to the realization that “I” am responsible for “MY” Actions and Beliefs and not letting outside opinions compromise that realization has already impacted my life in a positive way. I plan to continue to follow these four simple agreements and do my best on a daily basis.

I must say that at times this book does get a bit deep as in describing “life as a dream where we have all been instilled with others way of thinking”. Sometimes I would re-read a passage just so that I was clear in the meaning as it pertained to me. But the overall message is quite clear and Mr. Ruiz reinforces the agreements with spiritual messages designed for all religious beliefs where the basis is of love and respect for yourself and others. And, as with all life changes, it does require one to work at it – practice makes perfect – so to speak.

I hope this review is helpful to those looking for a guide in order to find happiness within themselves. It definitely impressed me.

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Replies:

[> Thanks, Bandruidh - sounds like a great book! :D -- Judie, 16:30:59 03/18/05 Fri


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[> What an interesting review Bandruidh, I've never read a self-help type book, but the 4 agreements listed look like common sense living to me. I particularly like that it sounds like it has no religious drum to beat. -- Margy, 07:24:37 03/20/05 Sun


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[> This sounds fascinating. I plan to look for it. -- LaurenG, 08:36:49 10/15/05 Sat


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